HB0101 • 2024

Attorney general opinions.

AN ACT relating to administration of government; modifying duties of the attorney general relating to legislative requests for opinions; providing that the attorney general may decline to provide opinions as specified; and providing for an effective date.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Mgt Council
Last action: 2024-02-16
Official status: inactive
Effective date: 3/1/2024

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass and has no official summary text provided.

Changes to Attorney General's Opinion Requests

The bill modifies the attorney general's duties regarding requests for legal opinions from state legislators and allows the attorney general to refuse certain opinion requests.

What This Bill Does

Modifies the attorney general’s duty to provide written legal opinions when requested by any member of the legislature, not just during sessions.
Allows the attorney general to decline to give an opinion if it would violate professional conduct rules for attorneys.

Who It Names or Affects

The Wyoming Attorney General
Members of the Wyoming Legislature

Terms To Know

Attorney General: A government official who is responsible for providing legal advice to state agencies and officials.
Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys at Law: Rules that set standards for ethical behavior for lawyers practicing in Wyoming.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass, so the changes it proposes are not currently law.
It does not specify which professional conduct rules might allow the attorney general to refuse a request.

Bill History

2024-02-16 House
H Did not Consider for Introduction
2024-02-01 House
H Received for Introduction
2024-01-31 LSO
Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

24LSO-0377
2024
STATE OF WYOMING
24LSO-0377
Numbered
2.0

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0101

Attorney general opinions.

Sponsored by: Management Council

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to administration of government; modifying duties of the attorney general relating to legislative requests for opinions; providing that the attorney general may decline to provide opinions as specified; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1.

W.S. 9
‑
1
‑
603(a)(vi) is amended to read:

9
‑
1
‑
603.

Duties generally; retention of qualified practicing attorneys; matters in which county or state is party or has interest; written opinions; assistance to county and district attorneys in felony trials.

(a)

The attorney general shall:

(vi)

When requested, give written opinions upon questions submitted to him by elective and appointive state officers and by
either branch
any member
of the legislature
.
, when in session

The attorney general, upon written notice, may decline to give an opinion if providing the opinion would be contrary to the Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys at Law
;

Section 2
.

This act is effective July 1, 2024
.

(END)

1
HB0101